Borderline Personality Disorder and Christianity

Wonderful Counselor · Jan 23, 2016

Does anyone else with BPD have trouble sticking with one congregation, bible, or denomination? I have had this problem for a while and am just now finding out why. They had my diagnosis wrong and was treating me for Schizophrenia and it messed me up for years. Now I am stable and well treated and want to move on to a new chapter. Anyone else experience Christian problems with this disorder regarding Splitting symptoms? I go to extremes one way or another, sometimes downright switching everything I believe and switching churches, or switching my views on theology, it has gotten to where I just have to try to be myself regardless of how hard it is not to have a true identity.

BookofMatt · Jan 29, 2016

Hmm...well, yes and no. I'm borderline and bipolar, but I don't think my "trouble sticking" with any one particular theology has been any different than anybody else's exploration through different denominational beliefs. I wasn't raised in religion, so whenever I've switched churches or particular doctrines, it's just been the result of my personal studies and experiences.

DoubtfulSalvation · Feb 28, 2016

I totally understand where you are coming from. I have BPD and Bipolar and I'm like a record that's constantly being flipped. One day I seem super concrete solid on one doctrine, and then the next day I've changed my mind in the totally opposite direction. I don't know which one (BPD or Bipolar) is responsible for this, but I don't like it! So, I do understand where you're coming from.

bhsmte · Mar 6, 2016

It is very common, for those with BPD traits, to flip on various things.

The issue with emotional deregulation, is the likely cause of needing to change directions often, because there is a perceived threat. It is not uncommon (and I have seen it first hand) for folks with BPD, to place something or someone on a pedestal one day and a week later, they are claiming it is of the devil.

dayhiker · Mar 30, 2016

From my experience with a woman who has BPD and how emotional deregulation affects her, I can see one changing churches and beliefs as part of the BPD.

Jewels4Christ · Jul 9, 2016

I have BPD and major depression along with PTSD... I don't have any issue with staying with one Church (been there now 23 years ) but what I was wondering about is does anyone else have issue with staying consistent with reading the Bible having a prayer life on your own...because I sure do! Its been a total struggle to have a "quite time with God" on my own for more then a few years!! The only way I can get myself into Gods word is to be part of a Bible study with a group or a friend. I so wish I could do better!! But it is what it is...

dayhiker · Jul 10, 2016

I spent decades studding the Bible almost daily. All that study led me to simplify my faith to Love God and to Love people.
I started a practice when I was pretty young of meditating most mornings before I got out of bed. It didn't seem to fit prayer as I understood it from reading books about prayer.
But in the last 10 years I've come to realize that that meditation is one of the things in my life that has keep me current with myself and close to God. I have no idea if my thoughts
on behalf of others has done anything for them or not.

Lily76_ · Jul 29, 2016

i do this ... i change faith so often ...i have BPD but av been in denial for a very long time its only the last 24 hours av admit ed having it
i was diagnosed 10 years ago av been saying that i have other mental health problems saying something thats anything but BPD
there is a stigma around BPD that we all are attention seekers and we are faking everything my mother calls me attention seeker because i self injure
and i have scars
I dont know what i am ...

godsdaughter97 · Dec 15, 2016

Sometimes I switch religions or go agnostic.

Bluerose31 · Apr 10, 2017

Wonderful Counselor said:
Does anyone else with BPD have trouble sticking with one congregation, bible, or denomination? I have had this problem for a while and am just now finding out why. They had my diagnosis wrong and was treating me for Schizophrenia and it messed me up for years. Now I am stable and well treated and want to move on to a new chapter. Anyone else experience Christian problems with this disorder regarding Splitting symptoms? I go to extremes one way or another, sometimes downright switching everything I believe and switching churches, or switching my views on theology, it has gotten to where I just have to try to be myself regardless of how hard it is not to have a true identity.

I am sorry you have struggled with all of this. I pray you heal from your pain.

shauntell rohner · Apr 29, 2019

Wonderful Counselor said:
Does anyone else with BPD have trouble sticking with one congregation, bible, or denomination? I have had this problem for a while and am just now finding out why. They had my diagnosis wrong and was treating me for Schizophrenia and it messed me up for years. Now I am stable and well treated and want to move on to a new chapter. Anyone else experience Christian problems with this disorder regarding Splitting symptoms? I go to extremes one way or another, sometimes downright switching everything I believe and switching churches, or switching my views on theology, it has gotten to where I just have to try to be myself regardless of how hard it is not to have a true identity.

while bpd leaves us ever changing, its important to choose to believe who God says that we are, His words are never changing. this provides stability and assurance of identity.

Kittyboo · May 19, 2019

Hi Wonderful Counselor

Switching is typical of BPD, in many aspects. Here is something that might interest you, a Christian website with free self-help material:

Rise Above Mental Health Challenges | Free Self-Help to Manage Symptoms of Mental Illness and Addiction

Solvej · Jul 11, 2019

Hello,

I know exactly what you feel because I have to go through the same. I suffer from BPD, depression, social phobia and PTSD. Sometimes I feel like I am nothing but a failure in Jesus' eyes, and this scares me more than words can say. Splitting, especially in faith, is horrible, I can't even find the right words to describe.

Praying for you. I truly hope you will feel better soon.

Sending much love,
Solvej

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